An outbreak of the rare but highly dangerous Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered growing international concern, as health authorities across several countries race to trace passengers and prevent further spread of the virus.

The outbreak, linked to the Dutch-flagged expedition vessel currently sailing toward Spain’s Canary Islands, has already resulted in three deaths and at least eight confirmed infections, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Says Global Risk Remains Low

Despite mounting concern, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the overall public health risk remains low and emphasized that the situation does not currently resemble the early stages of a global pandemic such as COVID-19.

Health officials, however, remain on high alert because the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only known strain capable of person-to-person transmission. The virus is also associated with a significantly higher mortality rate than other hantavirus variants.

Nearly 150 passengers and crew members from 23 different nationalities remain aboard the ship, while some passengers reportedly disembarked before the outbreak became publicly known, complicating international tracing efforts.

Cruise Began in Argentina

The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia on April 1 for an expedition voyage.

Authorities in Argentina are investigating whether the outbreak may have originated there, as hantavirus infections in the country have reportedly doubled compared to the previous year.

According to reports, two Dutch passengers who later died may have contracted the virus during a bird-watching excursion near a landfill site outside Ushuaia, where exposure to infected rodents may have occurred.

Cabo Verde Denied Docking Request

The ship attempted to dock in Cabo Verde, but local authorities refused permission due to fears over the outbreak.

The vessel remained anchored offshore for three days before continuing toward the Canary Islands.

During the stop, several critically ill passengers were evacuated by medical aircraft for emergency treatment in Europe.

Several Countries Launch Monitoring Operations

Health agencies across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America have begun tracing and monitoring people who may have had contact with infected passengers.

In South Africa, more than 60 people are being monitored after a Dutch passenger collapsed at O.R. Tambo International Airport and later died in hospital on April 26.

Singapore confirmed that two residents who had traveled aboard the ship are currently in isolation, though officials said the risk to the public remains low.

In Switzerland, a patient infected with the Andes strain is receiving treatment at University Hospital Zurich.

Meanwhile, authorities in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Netherlands are monitoring former passengers and crew members who may have been exposed.

Canary Islands Divided Over Arrival of Ship

The arrival of the MV Hondius in the Canary Islands has sparked political debate in Spain.

Spanish health authorities said the WHO requested that Spain allow the vessel to dock under humanitarian and international legal obligations, particularly because several Spanish citizens remain aboard.

However, the president of the Canary Islands publicly opposed allowing passengers to disembark, citing concerns over possible transmission risks to local residents.

Spanish officials said symptomatic individuals would be transferred for medical treatment, while asymptomatic passengers would likely be repatriated directly to their home countries under strict health supervision.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents, their urine, droppings, or saliva.

Symptoms often begin with fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and respiratory distress, and severe cases can rapidly progress into life-threatening lung complications.

The Andes strain involved in the current outbreak is considered especially dangerous because it can spread between humans under close-contact conditions — a rare characteristic among hantaviruses.

Health experts continue to stress that widespread community transmission remains unlikely, but investigations and monitoring efforts are continuing as the ship approaches European waters. (ILKHA)